A person convicted for driving while their license is canceled, suspended or revoked is guilty of a class B misdemeanor in Tennessee. This means they face a sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or both. Absent any aggravating factors, there is no mandatory minimum jail time meaning that a person could receive a purely suspended or probated sentence.
However, if the license was canceled, suspended or revoked because of a prior DUI, vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, the punishment must include at least two days of jail time and the fine could go up to $1000. If the person has been court ordered to maintain an ignition interlock device in their car and was caught driving without it, there is a mandatory minimum seven days of jail sentence.

If a person has a prior conviction for driving on a canceled, suspended or revoked license the penalty increases. Upon conviction with a prior, the person would now be guilty of a class A misdemeanor which carries a maximum sentence of 11 months and 29 days, and an increased fine up to $3000.

If the person's license is canceled, suspended or revoked because of a second or subsequent DUI, vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 45 days to serve in jail.

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested for driving on a cancelled, suspended, or revoked license, and has questions regarding the upcoming legal proceedings, contact Nashville Attorney Russell Thomas at 615-620-0891 for a free consultation.